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Bike Tour in Basque Country: from Bilbao to France by the coast

Highlights:

This tour in a nutshell

Bike Tour in Basque Country: from Bilbao to France by the coast

Basque Country
 - 
Europe, France, Spain
In this 7 day road bike tour we invite you to discover the Basque country's coastline, connecting Bilbao to San Sebástian and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
The basque country is a cultural landmark of Spain. With a rich heritage, a fine cuisine and hills piercing out of the ocean and taking in the roughness of the sea through magnetic waves all year long.
Lush hills and quiet roads. You will be taken on a tour that shows you all of that typical basque spice, from coastal heavenly roads to classic climbs up to unforeseen vistas on the world around. Tapas and pinxos will fuel your muscles with the right amount of everything but hearty diners will be more welcome every night! Have a taste of txacoli (typical basque green wine) eat delicious sea food like chipirones (little calamri) or Navajas (sea knives) but don’t forget to taste the local healthy meat from the pastures around, grazing free. Riding perfect asphalt on a curated series of climbs, carefully handpicked to give you just the right amount of that typical basque reputation of steep and punchy climbs but also some long smooth gravel tracks through the valley. Come discover hidden villages inland and some of the most beautiful beaches of the Basque countryGuernica that inspired Picasso his famous and tragic painting of the war, Azoia birthplace of the Jesuits movement, Bilbao, vibrant students' heaven and Guggenheim nest, the little but proud San Sebastian one of the richest cities in Spain and finish on the other side of the border in France with a walk along the grande place and its gorgeous cliffs.

Hear from our guests

Sintra mountain bike

My husband and I had an extra day in Lisbon and we booked a mountain bike tour ahead of time. Live ...

Miriam G, USA
Terrain Type
Road
Altimetry
990m daily average
Distance
53km daily average
Duration
7 days
Rider Type
Experienced, Intermediate
Bike Type
E-Bike, Road Bike, Touring Bike
Arrival Airport:
Bilbao
Departure Airport:
Bilbao
Start Location:
Bilbao
Finish Location:
Saint-Jean-De-Luz

Gallery:

A closer look at the region
Bike Touring Basque Country Hotel Lasala Plaza 5
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 3
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 31
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 30
Bike Touring Basque Country Lekeitio 6
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 39
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 84
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 80
Bike Touring Basque Country Hotel Lasala Plaza 5
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 3
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 31
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 30
Bike Touring Basque Country Lekeitio 6
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 39
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 84
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 80
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Bike Touring Basque Country Hotel Lasala Plaza 5
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 3
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 31
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 30
Bike Touring Basque Country Lekeitio 6
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 39
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 84
Bike Touring Basque Country San Sebastian 80
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Day to Day:

What you'll be experiencing everyday

Day 1: Pick up from the airport/train station of Bilbao and briefing/ bike setup with our guides

Welcome to Bilbao, the vibrant capital of the Basque Country. After our guides pick you up at the local airport/train station and transfer you to your first hotel for the briefing and bike setup of the tour, take the day to settle into your accommodation, explore the city's highlights, and visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum, a masterpiece of contemporary architecture by Frank Gehry. Enjoy leisure time in Bilbao, savouring Basque cuisine at local restaurants and experiencing the city's unique cultural atmosphere.

Hotel: Vinnci Consulado de Bilbao (standard) or upgrade to Grand Hotel Domine Bilbao in premium option

Day 2: BILBAO TO GUERNICA - 50km, 1000m accumulated height

After breakfast at your hotel, your cycling journey begins as you leave Bilbao. The route immediately challenges you with a climb, offering stunning views of Bilbao from above. Along the way, you'll briefly join the Camino de Santiago and then the road soon widens, providing a more manageable gradient shaded by trees. You'll enter a classic Basque cycling route, often used for professional training. Keep an eye out for race markings on the tarmac and cheer on aspiring cyclists. The ride takes you to Lezama and a rare flat section toward Larrabetzu. From there, you'll descend to Guernica, famous for Picasso's masterpiece. Explore the town, including a reproduction of the mural and the site where village leaders once gathered around an oak tree. Sample Basque cuisine, particularly the mild green peppers, before reaching your final destination, the prestigious Castillo de Arteaga.

Hotel: Castillo de Arteaga )upgrade to superior room in premium option)

Day 3: GUERNICA TO DEBA - 54km, 1000m accumulated height

After breakfast, you'll depart from Guernica, starting with a coastal route that treats you to scenic lagoons and beaches bordering the Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve. Enjoy the serene beauty and follow the dedicated cycleway. You'll then arrive in Lekeitio and continue along the coastal road, which boasts breathtaking views. If hunger strikes, your guide can direct you to a fantastic pizza place in Ondarroa. Continue your journey along the picturesque coast. In the evening, dine in Deba, a charming town where you can savor the local cuisine.

Hotel: Hotel Arbe (upgrade to superior room in the premium option)

Day 4: DEBA TO GOIATZ - 50km, 1220m accumulated height

After breakfast, start the day with a gentle ride along the coast, relishing the scenic beauty. As you approach Itziar and Azurki, you'll encounter the only climb of the day. Enjoy a refreshing stop in Zestoa before embarking on a pleasant gravel road, part of the Via Verde network. This path leads to Azpeita, where you can explore the sanctuary of Ignatius de Loyola. Conclude the day with a manageable climb that offers breathtaking vistas. Your overnight stay is at the beautiful Hotel Irriarte.

Hotel: Hotel Irriarte - upgrade to superior room in premium option

Day 5: IRRIARTE TO SAN SEBASTIAN - 62km, 1000m accumulated height

After breakfast, descend from your hotel and head towards Tolosa. The route takes you through picturesque landscapes and forests. You'll then arrive in Villabona and begin the ascent to Aia, entering the Parque Natural Pagoeta. This climb is challenging but rewarding. Descend to Orio, where you can enjoy lunch at a local bar. Then, tackle the Monte Igeldo climb, known for its stunning views and local dining options. Arrive in San Sebastian and relax at your hotel, located in the heart of the town.

Hotel: Hotel de Londres y Inglaterra (standard option) or Hotel Villa Favorita (premium option)

Day 6: SAN SEBASTIAN TO SAINT JEAN DE LUZ - 50km, 770m accumulated height

After breakfast, start the day with a climb up Jaizkibel, a classic route that offers incredible views. As you descend, you'll cross into France, marking the transition to French cuisine. Pass through Irun and Hendaye as you approach the French border. Enjoy your first croissant on the journey. Arrive in Saint Jean de Luz and savour the French "savoir-vivre" with delicious food and wine at a cyclist-friendly café.

Hotel: Hotel de La Plage

(standard option) or Grand Hotel Thallasso & Spa (premium option)

Day 7: End of tour

Breakfast and check-out at your hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to Saint Jean de Luz train station.

Map:

Where you'll be riding

Options and Prices

Choose how you want to experience this tour

Self Guided

- Private tour, starts any day -
- Minimum of 2 guests -
from 1890€ per guest

Guided

- Private tour, starts any day -
- Minimum of 4 guests -
from 2890€ per guest

Premium

- Private tour, starts any day -
- Minimum of 4 guests -
from 4990€ per guest
- Guaranteed departures -
- No minimum of guests required -

Join a Group Tour

Join this tour on a group with other riders, on the following dates:
from 2890€ per guest

Book this tour

Choose your start date and tour option to book

Why choose Live Love Ride

What can you expect in this tour

Bikes you'll be using in this tour:

A brand new bike fleet, with the best gear and equipment for you to enjoy this tour

You'll also be enjoying:

Authentic experiences to showcase the best of this region

This tour is better suited for:

Tours designed for different types of riders

We'll support you on this tour

All our guided and premium options include:

Trip Leader

Book with confidence - Check our cancellation policy.

European Offices

Live Love Ride
Avenida Infante D. Henrique, 311
1950-421
Lisbon
Portugal

Monday to Friday
09AM to 06PM
Telephone: 00351 217 590 365
E-mail: ridewithus @ https://llride.com
portuguese cycling federation
turismo de portugal
Scott Sports
zipvit sport
adventure travel association
All Rights Reserved. llride.com
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